Denis Blackstun
Accounting Advisor
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As Montana CDC's Accounting Advisor, Denis provides technical assistance to Montana CDC loan clients, individuals, and businesses in all aspects of accounting management.  He has a degree in Business Administration/Finance, but it is his experience in corporate and independent finance fields, and as a successful entrepreneur that provides the technical tools to serve Montana CDC clients.  His outgoing personality and enthusiasm provide the personal tools to serve Montana CDC clients with understanding and compassion.  With his wife, Chris, and his two teenage sons, Zach and Sawyer, Denis enjoys all the outdoor activities from telemark skiing in the winter, to kayaking, mountain bike riding, camping, and backpacking year around. But whether coaching a team or practicing with his sons, summer is for baseball!

Doug Bolender
Kalispell PTAC Subcenter Manager
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Doug is manager of the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in Kalispell.  Located throughout Montana, PTACs help small businesses compete in government marketplaces, offering individual counseling, procurement information and other contracting resources. He holds a degree in Business Administration/Marketing and Management & Organization from Idaho State University, and has over 30 years of accounting, sales and business consulting experience. On his days off, Doug can be found traveling, hiking, camping, hunting and fishing.

Patty Cox
Business Services Advisor
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As Business Services Advisor, Patty is the first line of contact for Montana CDC clients, directing clients to the appropriate resources available at Montana CDC.  Patty also provides support to Montana CDC's business consultants and is the organizer for events and trainings put on by Montana CDC. Patty joined Montana CDC in 2007 as Office Manager, bringing with her 20 years experience in the legal, high tech and financial services industries as an administrative manager in Seattle firms. Patty is an avid reader, enjoys gardening with her husband and making Sushi with her son.

Lynn Dankowski
Communications Advisor
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As Communications Advisor, Lynn works with Montana CDC's Marketing Manager, communicating the role of Montana CDC in the lives of our clients and their communities.  Lynn joined Montana CDC in 2008, bringing with her 25 years of experience working in Missoula and serving Montana businesses.   Lynn graduated from the UM Law School in 1996 and practiced commercial litigation for 8 years, giving her unique insight into Montana’s business climate.  She is proud to play a role in the promotion of Montana businesses and communities.  Lynn enjoys hitting the slopes and playing baseball with her husband and three children.

Heidi DeArment
Vice President
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Heidi runs the lending and financial services for Montana CDC. She is responsible for management of the lending team, creating and implementing policies and procedures for MCDC’s growth, and assistance with capital procurement. She also leads Montana CDC’s New Markets Tax Credit team, bringing exciting new projects to Montana.  She joined Montana CDC in 2007 as Operation Manager bringing with her five years of experience as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer of two national food companies.  Heidi also brings six years of teaching experience in the marketing and management department at the University of Montana’s School of Business.  In her free time, Heidi enjoys her friends and family, including husband and darling daughters.

Paulette Drozda
Missoula PTAC Subcenter Manager
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Paulette is manager of the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center  (PTAC) in Missoula.  Located throughout Montana, PTACs help small businesses compete in government marketplaces, offering individual counseling, procurement information and other contracting resources.  A graduate of the University of Montana Western and Montana Tech, Paulette has over 30 years’ experience in the public and private sectors and has also owned and operated two businesses.  She and her husband returned to Montana in 2009 after spending nearly 12 years in Utah and Colorado. They enjoy Montana’s wide open spaces and living closer to their families.


Julie Ehlers
Marketing Manager
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As Marketing Manager, Julie manages all marketing activities at Montana CDC, working extensively with the media, funders, Montana CDC clients, and other members of Montana CDC's team. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental studies from Bowdoin College and completed a MBA from the University of Montana in 2011. Julie is originally from Wisconsin, however, she has called Montana home for the past seven years.  Prior to her work at Montana CDC she worked at the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research as the Marketing Director.  In her free time, Julie enjoys playing violin as a member of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra , skiing, running, and spending time with her husband and young twin boys.

Sarah Fitzgerald
Director of Lending
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As Director of Lending, Sarah oversees the operation of Montana CDC's small business lending and New Markets Tax Credit program. Sarah works in the Bozeman office. She received her MBA from the University of Montana in 2009 and also holds a degree in Environmental Studies from Prescott College.  Sarah is originally from Helena and has lived all over the West working as a backpacking and river guide and environmental educator.  She is delighted to be back in the Big Sky State and working on behalf of the people and communities of Montana.

Dave Glaser
President
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Dave is the President of Montana CDC and works out of our Missoula office.  Dave oversees all aspects of Montana CDC and works in conjunction with the Montana CDC board of directors to help develop long term strategy for the organization.   Before joining Montana CDC in 2007, Dave served as the Chief Operating Officer and Environmental Scientist for a number of environmental consulting firms and has managerial experience at other non-profits.  Dave is active in many economic development organizations throughout the State of Montana and serves as Board Chair of Homeword, a statewide low income housing organization in Montana. Before finishing his Masters Degree, Dave traveled extensively, teaching whitewater kayaking, crewing on sail boats and guiding backcountry and river expeditions throughout the world.  Dave and his wife live in Missoula and are the proud parents of twin girls.

Rachel Golden
Loan Officer
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As loan officer at Montana CDC, Rachel manages and underwrites new loans for small businesses in Montana. Rachel graduated in 2007 from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's in Finance. For the past 3 years she has worked as a commercial credit analyst at a local Missoula bank. Rachel currently serves as a board member and finance committee chair for Mountain Home Montana. Originally from Columbia Falls, Rachel enjoys running, hiking in the Bitterroot and snowboarding in her free time.

Ryan Hansen
Bozeman SBDC Business Advisor
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Carey James
Lending Assistant
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As Montana CDC’s lending assistant, Carey provides support in the daily operations of the lending department.  She brings over ten years of Administrative Assistance and Customer Service experience to the job.  She is excited to be a part of a team that supports the prosperity and growth of communities throughout Montana.  Originally from Helena, Carey moved to Missoula with her husband where they enjoy spending time in the outdoors with their dog Koda.

Shawna Kleven
Accountant
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Shawna joined the Montana CDC team in 2008 bringing several years of management and accounting experience.  She is responsible for  all internal accounting activities including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Financial Reporting, and Human Resources. Her and her husband Keith live in the great community of Lolo with their three children.